Environmental Action Plan

W H E E L I N G

P A R K

D I S T R I C T

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

December, 2015

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Wheeling Park District Wheeling, Illinois

Prepared by:

Environmental Practices and Standards Committee Wheeling Park District Adopted by the Wheeling Park District Board of Commissioners December 1, 2015

Table of Contents

T ABLE

OF

C ONTENTS

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION........................................ 1 Environmental Policy ............................... 2 Strategic Initiative .................................... 3

SECTION 2 PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS .................... 7 General ................................................... 7 Administration & Finance......................... 8 Facility Management & Maintenance ....... 8 Fleet Maintenance ................................... 9 Park & Natural Resources Management . 9 Planning & Open Space Preservation ... 10 Programming ......................................... 10 Summary ............................................... 11

SECTION 3 IMPLEMENTATION ................................. 15 Purpose ................................................. 15 Process ................................................. 15 Partners ................................................ 15 Monitoring & Reporting .......................... 16 Communication ..................................... 17 Conclusion ............................................ 17

APPENDIX 2013 Environmental Report Card .......... 19

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Section 1 Introduction Stewardship of the environment can take many forms. As a public agency dedicated to parks, recreation, and open space, Wheeling Park District is in the unique position to take a leadership role across a wide spectrum of environmental practices to ensure that the communities it serves are provided with the tools to learn sustainability and, be sustainable. It is the Park District’s responsibility, through policies, plans and actions, to lead by example.

While Wheeling Park District has generally operated with a sustainable approach, formalized policies and plans have been enacted to provide a broad-based overview of best environmental management practices. The Environmental Policy included in the Administrative Policy Manual provides general direction. In addition, the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan outlines specific initiatives and goals to address environmental practices and standards.

Utilizing these documents, in conjunction with the many tools available through Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA), National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and American Association of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Park District staff has taken a systematic approach in preparing a plan that analyzes current practices, and provides recommendations, as well as a strategy towards implementation of the recommendations.

To that end, it is the intention of the Environmental Action Plan to act as a guide in assisting the Park District Board of Commissioners and staff to make decisions based on sound environmental-management practices.

EQUITY

SUSTAINABILITY

ENVIRONMENT

ECONOMY

The Three “E’s” of Sustainability

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Environmental Policy The Wheeling Park District Administrative Policy Manual includes an Environmental Policy (4.15) within the General Matters of Administration (4.0) portion of the Manual.

The policy, which was approved by the Board on August 21, 2007, with revisions approved on October 2, 2007, and July 16, 2013, is as follows: This purpose of this policy is to provide clear direction and govern the Wheeling Park District’s environmental management practices.

Purchase and Use of Environmentally Safe and Sensitive Products Purchase products for use in facility and park operations which minimize negative environmental impacts, taking into consideration the effects of product production, use, storage and disposal.

Wise Use of Energy Resources Actively seek and implement ways to conserve energy resources and investigate methods of applying alternative energy technologies.

Reduction and Handling of Waste Reduce waste production, reuse and recycle materials from facility and park operations, and handle hazardous and all other wastes according to lawful and safe procedures.

Open Space Planning and Preservation Protect and restore indigenous natural communities such as grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, and promote the reclamation, acquisition, preservation and management of other open space areas, including river corridors, greenways and trails.

Environmental Education and Interpretation Provide education and interpretation opportunities for staff and the public which increase appreciation for the natural world and promote environmentally conscious lifestyles, emphasizing selective consumption and low-impact resource use.

Protection and Wise Use of Air, Water, Soil, and Wildlife Actively seek ways to protect and conserve water and soil, and to enhance air quality.

Preserve and enhance natural resources such as grasslands, woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. Protect and preserve threatened wildlife species. Foster a sense of stewardship of the environment and an aesthetic appreciation of such resources.

Environmentally Sound Park Practices Encourage design, development, operation and maintenance of landscaped areas, facilities and natural areas to enhance the environment and improve air quality, conserve water and energy.

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Environmental Aesthetics Protection Preserve, enhance, and interpret the scenic and aesthetic resources that are a part of the Wheeling environment.

As noted, the policy is general in nature, allowing staff the flexibility to take specific actions in support of the policy.

Strategic Initiatives Beginning in 2004, the Agency began to move towards a more strategy-based organization, instilling a sense of common purpose and shared organizational values through a set of key strategic initiatives as follows: Quality Guest Services and Experiences Improvements in Internal Processes and Systems Establish Long-Term Financial Strategies Developing Community Relationships Continuous Learning Environment In the summer of 2008, Wheeling Park District completed an Environmental Report Card (developed by the Environmental Committee of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association) as part of the Improvement in Internal Processes & Systems Initiative of the 2008 Agency Goals. The objective of this goal was to evaluate the status of Wheeling Park District’s environmental management practices. The team leader of this goal was the Superintendent of Planning.

The work plan and schedule was as follows: Task 1.

Review Environmental Report Card and distribute selected items to the appropriate Park District staff for grading.

(Completed May 2008.)

Task 2.

Park District staff to provide grades for the assigned items and return to Planning staff for compilation of grades. (Completed September 2008.)

Task 3.

Planning staff to compile grades and prepare an overall score, as well as a written evaluation of the status of the Park District’s environmental practices and future recommendations. (Completed December 2008.)

Each category of the 2008 Environmental Report Card was examined individually to determine where general improvements were necessary. It was also important to look at specific questions to determine how improvements can be achieved. The following is a summary of the 2008 Report Card:

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      

General (25%) Administration & Finance (25%) Facility Management & Maintenance (58%) Fleet Maintenance (54%) Parks & Natural Resources Management (41%) Planning & Open Space Preservation (36%) Programming (14%)

Utilizing the information generated through the Environmental Report Card, the Park District identified the following areas of concentration:       

Improved recycling program Improved energy efficiency program Establishing “Best Management Practices” (BMP) in site design and development Active search and solicitation of grants and funding sources for environmental development and education Establishment of environmental education and interpretive program Establishment of an environmentally responsible purchasing program Becoming a clear steward of the land, and communicating that position to the public

The goal was further refined as part of the 2009 Agency Goals to include the following objectives:  

Revise and propose a model environmental policy that includes “best management practices” Begin to implement practices and standards

Within the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan, the strategic initiatives identify Agency goals directly related to specific initiatives. Recognizing the importance of developing and implementing environmental practice and standards, it is included as a Goal 5 in the Improvements in Internal Processes and Systems strategic initiative. The goal and objectives are as follows: Goal 5: Develop Agency Environmental Practices and Standards.  Form an internal Environmental Committee to address the following: o Districtwide recycling o Energy efficiency o Best Management Practices (BMP) in design and development o Funding sources o Environmental education o Environmentally responsible purchasing

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o o

Stewardship Communication

To achieve the stated objective in the Strategic Plan, the Environmental Practices and Standards Committee (EPSC) was established in August 2012. Recognizing the resources within the Agency, the following staff members were included as part of the Committee:     

Director of Administrative Services General Manager of Chevy Chase Country Club Superintendent of Planning Communications Manager Horticulturist

The EPSC began meeting in August 2012 to discuss and address issues relative to the Agency’s environmental practices. In December 2014, the Facility Services Manager was added to the Committee.

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Section 2 Plan Recommendations In 2011, the Environmental Report Card was updated by the Environment Committee of IPRA. As part of the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation process, as well as the continuing progress of the Park District’s own Environmental Practices and Standards Committee, the updated version of the report card was completed by Park District staff in the spring of 2013.

The work plan and schedule was as follows: Task 1.

Environmental Report Card reviewed and selected items distributed to the appropriate Park District staff for responses.

(Completed April 2013.)

Task 2.

Responses returned to Planning staff for compilation.

(Completed May 2013.)

Task 3.

Responses compiled and an overall score prepared, as well as a written evaluation of the status of the Park District’s environmental practices, and future recommendations.

(Completed June 2013.)

A copy of the current IPRA Environmental Report Card is included in the Appendix of this plan.

Although the current scoring system is different than the previous, each category was examined against the 2008 Report Card to determine where general improvements or decline has occurred. It was also important to look at specific questions to determine how improvements can be achieved.

The following is a summary of the 2013 report card: GENERAL (Total Points 6 of 7 Possible - 86%) The Park District has a good environmental policy and in 2012, the District formed an Environmental Committee to address environmental issues as part of its strategic initiatives.

Recommendations:   

Include the Environmental Policy in new hire orientation Continue to reduce the amount of paper used Provide an annual environmental progress report

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 

Communicate the energy efficiency at the CRC and Chevy Chase Country Club through signage Maintain a “Green” page on the Park District’s website

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE (Total Points 12 of 17 Possible - 71%) In general, the Agency does follow a rule to actively locate and purchase environmentally friendly products. Grants for environmental initiatives are actively sought, which is an improvement from 2008. In addition, the Heritage Park Project is currently collaborating with another agency (MWRDGC) on environmental efforts. The District does not dedicate significant funding towards environmental initiatives because such projects do not currently exist (see Planning & Open Space Preservation).

Recommendations:    

Use EPA’s Environmentally Preferred Products or similar programs in purchasing decisions Expand the effort to purchase more green products Develop a procedure to examine the cost impacts and efficiencies of implementing an environmental initiative Develop a system to track the amount of recycling done throughout the parks and facilities

FACILITY MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE (Total Points 30 of 39 Possible – 77%) Facility management and maintenance tends to receive higher marks in environmental practices because of the energy efficiency of the CRC, as well as the recycling efforts within the building. In addition, motion-activated faucets and hand dryers have been installed in the CRC since 2008. The Parks and Facility Services Building is utilizing energy-efficient lighting, as well as motiondetection lighting.

The recent renovations at Chevy Chase Country Club have also addressed energy efficiency through the installation of motion-activated faucets and hand dryers, as well energyefficient lighting.

Recommendations:   

Provide more distinct, and easily recognizable, recycling receptacles throughout the facilities Provide signage to encourage individuals and groups to recycle and be energy efficient Expand recycling throughout the parks and facilities

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  

Continue to expand efficient energy initiatives throughout the parks and facilities Continue the electrical recycling program throughout the year Provide charging stations at the CRC parking lot and other parking facilities within Heritage Park and Chevy Chase Country Club

FLEET MAINTENANCE (Total Points 5 of 9 Possible – 56%) The score for this category appears to be lower than other areas because of the high scoring weight given to the use of alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles; however, fleet maintenance actually achieves high marks because Park District vehicles receive regularly scheduled tune-ups and maintenance, and the Agency has a safety policy and training procedures in the handling of hazardous materials.

Traditions at Chevy Chase also utilizes energy-efficient mowers on the golf course greens.

Recommendations:  

Purchase a hybrid vehicle Investigate and evaluate the cost efficiency of alternative fuels and maintenance products for Park District vehicles and general maintenance equipment

PARK & NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (Total Points 23 of 26 Possible – 88%) The Park District has utilized native plantings at Husky Park and Childerley Park; however, the Agency has not actively sought funds for improvement of natural areas, nor has it promoted the educational value of such areas.

On the positive side, the Park District does use alternative snowmelt products and an integrated pest-management program to reduce the use of pesticides in parks. In addition, fertilizers and pesticides are properly disposed of, as are excavated material and construction debris. Native landscaping is incorporated into the landscape design at existing buildings and is used extensively throughout Heritage Park.

Similarly, Traditions at Chevy Chase utilizes an organic approach to fertilizing the golf course.

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Recommendations:    

Actively apply for grants to fund natural resources best-management practices Utilize urban forestry management practices Use best-management practices for natural areas and turf areas Create a districtwide tree inventory

PLANNING & OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION (Total Points 11 of 15 Possible – 73%) The Park District does not actively apply for grants to fund natural resources bestmanagement practices and projects and does not increase public awareness of natural/preserved areas (see Programming); however, through the working relationship of the planning and maintenance staff, bestmanagement practices are incorporated into park and facility designs.

In addition, the Heritage Park Project provides public access to natural/preserved areas. The detailed land acquisition strategy also ensures that open space can be preserved.

Recommendations:   

Actively apply for grants to fund natural resources best-management practices Design parks and programs to increase public awareness of natural/preserved areas Develop a nature center

PROGRAMMING (Total Points 5 of 16 Possible – 31%) This category is rated low, primarily because the Park District does not have a nature center (see Planning & Open Space Preservation) or regular nature-education programs within the parks. In addition, the Agency does not actively apply for grant funding for environmental programs or interpretive initiatives. Overall, the Park District does not provide programs dedicated to environmental issues. In addition, the energy conservation initiatives utilized in the facilities are not communicated to the public.

Recommendations: 

Provide nature/environmental education programs (Without a nature center, this can be done at Husky Park, Heritage Park, or in the Forest Preserve.)

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 

Include nature/environmental programs as part of the summer camp program(s) Actively apply for grants to fund environmental-education programs and interpretive initiatives

Summary The following is the summary total of all the sections: Grand total of all the sections combined Total possible points Percentage

92 129 71%

As noted in the scoring, Wheeling Park District is doing a very good job and should keep up the good work.

Since the 2008 Environmental Report Card was completed, the Park District has primarily improved in the areas of Facility Management and Maintenance, Parks and Natural Resources Management, and Planning and Open Space Preservation. These improvements can be attributed to energy-efficient improvements at the CRC, Parks and Facility Services Building, and Chevy Chase Country Club; the purchase of the Lake Cook Property in 2009; and the natural landscape areas developed at Heritage Park.

It is also important to note that by making the following two key procedural changes in the past two years, the Park District has moved towards a goal of reducing the amount of paper used:  

Instituted an electronic process in which all bids, RFPs and RFQs are obtained and delivered through the Wheeling Park District website Created an electronic process by which human resources documents are completed, submitted, and routed electronically

In examining its current practices, two areas stand out as opportunities to improve on the Park District’s commitment towards environmental stewardship: 1. Actively apply for grants to fund green initiatives.

2. Provide environmental education programs.

The Agency has an excellent start in the approved Environmental Policy, which provides clear direction to the Board and staff. In addition, the Board has also approved the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan that includes the strategic initiative of developing recommended environmental practices and standards.

It is important to note that the Environmental Policy within the Policy Manual provides the broad overview relative to environmental management practices. The steps outlined are suggested steps to achieve the goal outlined in the Strategic Initiatives.

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Summary of Plan Recommendations: Time frames are defined as follows:    

Short Term – to be completed within two years of plan adoption Mid Term – to be completed within three to five years of plan adoption Long Term – to be completed within five to ten years of plan adoption Ongoing – to be considered a continuing practice upon plan adoption

Recommendation

Responsibility Lead(s)

Time Frame

Include the Environmental Policy in new-hire orientation.

Director of HR

Ongoing

Continue to reduce the amount of paper used.

Supervisors

Ongoing

Provide an annual, environmental progress report.

Supt. of Planning (Environ. Comm.)

Ongoing

Communicate the energy efficiency at the CRC and Chevy Chase CC through signage.

Director of P&RS Chevy Chase GM (Comm. Mgr.)

Ongoing

Maintain a “Green” page on the Park District’s website.

Comm. Mgr.

Ongoing

Use EPA’s Environmentally Preferred Products or similar programs in purchasing decisions.

Dir. of Admin Serv.

Chevy Chase GM Director of P&RS

Ongoing

Expand the effort to purchase more green products.

Dir. of Admin Serv.

(Supervisors)

Ongoing

Develop a procedure to examine the cost impacts and efficiencies of implementing an environmental initiative.

Dir. of Admin Serv.

Short Term

Develop a system to track the amount of recycling done throughout parks and facilities.

Dir. of Admin Serv.

(Supervisors)

Short Term

General

Administration & Finance

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Facility Management & Maintenance Provide more distinct, and easily recognizable, recycling receptacles throughout the facilities.

Fac. Serv. Mgr.

Short Term

Provide signage to encourage individuals and groups to recycle and be energy efficient.

Director of P&RS (Comm. Mgr.)

Ongoing

Expand recycling throughout the parks and facilities.

Supt. of P&FS

Short Term

Continue to expand efficient energy initiatives throughout the parks and facilities.

Dir. of Admin Serv.

Chevy Chase GM Supt. of P&FS

Ongoing

Continue the electrical recycling program throughout the year.

Supt. of P&FS (Fac. Serv. Mgr.)

Ongoing

Provide charging stations at the CRC parking lot and other parking facilities within Heritage Park and Chevy Chase Country Club

Dir. of Admin Serv.

Short Term

Purchase a hybrid vehicle.

Director of P&RS (Supt. of P&FS)

Long Term

Investigate and evaluate the cost efficiency of alternative fuels and maintenance products.

Supt. of P&FS Chevy Chase GM

Mid Term

Actively apply for grants to fund bestmanagement practices.

Supt. of Planning (Horticulturist)

Ongoing

Utilize urban forestry management practices.

Horticulturist

Ongoing

Use best-management practices for natural areas and turf areas.

Horticulturist

Ongoing

Create a districtwide tree inventory.

Horticulturist

Mid Term

Supt. of Planning

Ongoing

Fleet Maintenance

Park & Natural Resources Management

Planning & Open Space Preservation Actively apply for grants to fund natural resources best-management practices.

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Design parks and programs to increase public awareness of natural/preserved areas.

Supt. of Planning (Horticulturist)

Ongoing

Develop a nature center.

Supt. of Planning

Mid Term

Provide nature/environmental education programs.

Director of P&RS (Supt. of Rec.)

Ongoing

Include nature/environmental programs as part of the summer camp program.

Supt. of Rec.

Ongoing

Actively apply for grants to fund environmental education programs and/or interpretive initiatives.

Supt. of Rec.

Ongoing

Programming

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Section 3 Implementation

Purpose The Environmental Action Plan is intended to serve as a guiding document for ongoing and future actions relative to the environmental and sustainability efforts of Wheeling Park District. This report, along with the Environmental Policy, Strategic Plan 2012-2017, and other current and future planning/policy documents shall work together to ensure Wheeling Park District continues on a course towards meeting its goals and objectives.

While the responsibility leads are identified in the Summary of Plan Recommendations, the person primarily responsible for the implementation and updating of the general plan shall be the Superintendent of Planning, under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, with oversight by the Park District Board of Commissioners.

In addition, the Environmental Practices and Standards Committee shall continue its work in providing a clear perspective and fresh ideas in support of the Agency’s plans and policies.

Process As previously stated, the Environmental Action Plan is intended to act as a guide in assisting the Park District Board of Commissioners and staff in making decisions based on sound environmental management practices; however, it is equally important to remember that environmental responsibility (Environment) is only one part of sustainability. In implementing the recommendations outlined in the Plan, it is critical to assess the financial considerations (Economy), as well as the needs and desires of the community (Equity).

New facilities, large single purchases, or dedicated programs must show a demonstrated need through the Park District’s key strategic initiatives, as well as the community attitude and interest surveys.

Partners Through established relationships, Wheeling Park District currently works with other public agencies on environmental/sustainable efforts. Key among these agencies is the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC), as a result of the Heritage Park Project, which serves as a flood-control facility for the Des Plaines River Levee 37 Project. Through this partnership, Heritage Park has been designed to

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incorporate larger areas of natural landscaping, as well as bio-swales with the south parking lot.

Similarly, the Village of Wheeling has a vested interest in sustainability throughout the community and can be a key partner.

The benefits of good environmental practices are far reaching, and other organizations that can become partners include:        

School Districts 21 and 23 Wheeling High School Indian Trails Public Library NWSRA Cook County and Lake County Forest Preserve Districts Wheeling Garden Club Wheeling Jaycees and Wheeling Rotary Local businesses (Chamber of Commerce)

In addition, the Park District can also reach out to organizations, such as:    

Chicago Botanic Garden Openlands Surrounding park districts Trust for the Public Lands

As environmental initiatives are undertaken, it is important to think in advance about potential partnerships that may be advantageous to the Park District’s objectives.

Monitoring & Reporting Monitoring and reporting are critical to measuring the success of a program. Not only do they ensure that the Environmental Action Plan becomes a working document, these steps are also required by many agencies that offer funding grants.

To that end, it is important that the Park District establish “sustainability metrics” to analyze and quantify the effect of a particular program. A baseline must first be established, against which future progress can be measured. As a program proceeds, it is equally important to set goals to determine the investment in a particular program.

Measurement of a program or process is a key component in achieving the intended results or outcome. The Park District currently uses an Agency “dashboard” to track key points of measurement. If applicable, a similar method can be used to measure environmental efforts.

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In addition, reporting the goals, objectives, and progress to staff and Board is critical in achieving the desired outcomes.

Communication Communicating the Park District’s actions and achievements towards sustainability should be part of a focused strategy to encourage the Wheeling community to learn more about what it means to be sustainable. In addition, regular communications to the public through signage in the facilities and parks, seasonal brochures, website articles, and newsletters bring recognition to the Park District.

As a leader in environmental practices, the Park District can also communicate its dedication to this issue through educational programs, either through Park District offerings or in conjunction with partners.

Conclusion As noted in the 2013 Environmental Report Card, Wheeling Park District is doing a very good job and should keep up the good work.

Sustainability is an ongoing effort. This Environmental Action Plan represents a commitment by Wheeling Park District to be an active leader, as well as an active participant, in providing a sustainable community for current and future residents and guests.

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Appendix

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333 West Dundee Road, Wheeling, IL 60090 Phone: 847-465-3333 / Fax: 847-537-3481 www.wheelingparkdistrict.com